Sorry that it took a while. I have two reasons. One: Writers Block (If anyone knows how to help with writer's block, let me know, because I keep getting it), and two: school work. But chapter 10 is here now! Thanks for reviewing, sunlinki, hahahahahahaha, WriterNut, Kia and HarryPotterCat-. As always, your reviews are appreciated.

Disclaimer: If I owned Harvest Moon, I'd not be here, would I?

Chapter 10

Wedding Bells

I was completely healthy again the next day. I was surprised at how easy it was to think about the fact that in a few days Claire and Gray would be together. I didn't seem to care. In fact, to my surprise, I actually felt happy for them.

At about ten o'clock, Claire burst into the library.

"MARY!" she gasped. "I really…really need your help!"

"What is it?" I asked, standing up quickly.

"I…need…help…choose…dress," she panted. It took me a moment to comprehend what she had said. Then I laughed.

"Claire, you burst in here like it's the end of the world, worry me to death, and then tell me all you need is help to choose a wedding dress?" Then I laughed. "Wait, this would be the end of the world for you if I didn't help you, wouldn't it?" She nodded.

Laughing, I ran over and hugged her. It felt really, really good to be friends again, and it was so easy. It was like the whole Gray incident had never happened. And I didn't care.

"Goddess, I missed you Claire," I said.

"I missed you too," she said, hugging me back.

"So," she said once we had separated. "Can you come to the city with me to buy a dress?"

"Duh," I responded.

So ten minutes later we were on a boat to the city, and half an hour after that we were finally there.

"Wow," I said. "It's been ages since I've been here."

"It's not all that great," said Claire. "The air's fresher in Mineral Town."

I breathed in, and nodded.

We found a store which was named something in a different language – French I think – and we decided to try there. Claire went through at least ten different dresses, which all looked gorgeous on her. I'd always been a little bit jealous of her, her beautiful, perfect blonde hair and lovely body.

In the end, Claire chose a sleeveless, satin dress, with a big skirt, and a white headband to go with it. The top half of the dress was covered in lacy patterns.

"What do you think?" she asked, looking in the mirror.

"I think it looks great," I said. "No, better than great, it looks fantastic."

"Aww thanks! Now, we have to choose a dress for you!"

I stared at her. "Dress for me? What are you talking about?"

She rolled her eyes like it was so obvious. "Who else would I choose to be my maid of honour?"

"Me?" I asked. When we were kids, we planned out that on each other's wedding day we'd be the maid of honour, but after the fight we had just had, I thought she'd have a new best friend to be her maid of honour. But I was so happy that I had been wrong.

I squealed excitedly, leaping onto Claire to hug her.

"Whoa, whoa, watch the dress!" she said. I quickly stepped back and helped her out of the dress.

"Let's see..." she asked no one in particular, rummaging through racks of dresses. "What about this one?"

She pulled out a pink sleeveless dress which I thought was a bit too revealing.

"Umm…" I said. She sighed.

"Fine," she said. "I'll wear it on your wedding day then."

"Huh?"

"You know, with Cliff."

"Claire," I moaned. "Cliff and I aren't even dating."

"The moon festival was a date."

"No it wasn't."

"It so was. Besides, you OBVIOUSLY like him."

She was right, of course. When she mentioned his name my heartbeat had sped up and I'm sure I was as red as a tomato.

"And," she added. "He likes you too."

***

In the end, we chose a long, flowing aqua coloured dress. Claire insisted that it should be sleeveless, but the one we chose was less revealing than the last.

"You're going to look great, Mary," said Claire.

"So will you," I said. "Obviously."

***

The rest of the week flew by, and the next thing I knew, I was helping Claire get ready for the big day. The church was already filling up with the guests. The whole town was coming. Elli even managed to get a wheelchair for Ellen so she could come too. This wedding was a big deal. It was the first wedding in…I don't know…twenty years? Everyone was excited about it. But nothing could possibly wipe the smile off Claire's face.

"Oh my goddess!" she exclaimed over and over and over. "I can't believe we're getting married! I'll be Claire Smith. Hmm, Claire Smith, how do you think that sounds, Mary?"

"For the tenth time," I said while zipping up her dress. "It sounds great."

"Tenth time?" repeated Claire. "Oops…"

"Hey," I said. "It's your big day. You're just distracted."

"Mary?" Claire said softly. "You…and Gray…and….you know…"

"Claire! I'm happy for you! I don't think I'm in love with Gray anymore."

"If you still like him…tell me…I don't want to…"

"CLAIRE!"

"OK! OK! I get the point!"

I laughed. How I had gone so quickly from feeling heartbroken and hating Claire for loving Gray to being happy for Claire and Gray getting married I will never know, but it happened.

I helped Claire fix up her dress and her hair, and it seemed like no time at all until she was walking down the aisle, with me behind her. Gray looked pretty good in a suit, I must say. When Claire stood next to him, I realised how cute they were together, and I became even happier for them.

I stood next to Cliff as Carter started speaking. I didn't concentrate on what he was saying. The only thing I really heard was "I now pronounce you man and wife." Claire and Gray passionately kissed, and Claire tossed her bouquet into the air. I tried to catch it, but I'd never been good at anything like that. However, I was glad I didn't, because Cliff caught it instead.

"Um," he said, looking at the flowers that had just fallen into his hands. "Here. For you."
I giggled. "Thanks."

We followed the newly married couple out the church door and to the inn for the party. Ann let us borrow her bedroom to get changed in. Well, for me to help Claire get changed. The dress she had bought to wear was stunning. It was a rose pink top, with a pink rose on the left side of the colour, and the skirt was white silk with an opening in the middle, and rose pink underneath.

Claire twirled around. "How do I look?"

"Need I answer?" I said. "BEAUTIFUL!"

Gray thought so too. He could keep his eyes off her. Doug put on some slow music, and the couple started to dance the waltz. Karen and Rick joined in. I never thought I'd see them in formal clothes…and I never thought I'd see them dancing. Popuri and Kai got up too, followed by Elli and Doctor, and all the married adults.

"Would you like to dance?" asked Cliff. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks.

"Yes," I said. I took his hand, and we joined in with the rest of the dancers. I tried to ignore the feeling of Ann's eyes glaring at my back. But it wasn't easy, and I kept turning around. Cliff looked at me questioningly.

"Ann's glaring at me," I explained. "You should ask her to dance. She obviously has a crush on you."

"It's unfortunate, then, that I don't have a crush on her," said Cliff.

And then our lips met.

I don't know what you all think, but I think that chapter was cute. Let me know what you think. Love getting reviews.

I'll probably end the story in a few chapters, just so you know. I think...I think I'll do two more chapters.